Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email or on her Facebook page.
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Dear Clare,
I am getting ready to go off to college and my best friend just told me she wants to go to the same school. We’ve grown up together and have done almost everything together for the past few years. She got into the school she said she wanted to go to but I didn’t (an hour from my campus). Now, she’s talking about coming to the school I committed to and rooming together. How can I get her to make the rational choice? She’s the smart one here!
– LQ almost-grad
LQ almost-grad,
It sounds like you may welcome the gap that the distance of your schools will give you. Rooming with a life-long friend may not be a great idea. Not all bffs make good roommates. Tell your friend you’re excited to hang out with her on her campus and she can come visit you, too. If she still seems hesitant, consider getting blunt or talking to her parents.
– Clare
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Clare,
Summer is coming. I am already feeling depressed. How can I stave off the summer blues? And no, I cannot move somewhere else for 4 months.
– Summer sucks
Summer sucks,
Enjoy the cool mornings and evenings while they last. Go to the movies often. Soak up the AC. Plan weekend road trips for the worst months. You knew what you were getting into here…
– Clare
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Clare,
I think my son may be gay. He has never been into sports or even mentioned an interest in girls. He’s also pretty shy. He’s only thirteen and I am afraid to bring it up with my wife who is a bit more religious and conservative than I am. Should I ask my son before I talk to my wife? Should I just wait until he comes to me (or us)?
– Dad dilemma
Dad dilemma,
I don’t know how accurate your assumptions are – the “gaydar” isn’t exactly beeping here. Let your son come to you – it may be for advice on how to talk to young women or you may be right that he’s more interested in men. Try to encourage your wife to be more accepting in the meantime and let your son know he’s supported no matter what.
– Clare
